Thomson Prison was built in 2001. It has 1,600 cells but housed fewer than 200 inmates before closing to prepare for a sale. (Photo courtesy of the Village of Thomson)

By Nick Gale

CHICAGO - The sale of Thomson Correctional Center to the federal government means job creation and income at the local and state level, according to the governor.

More than 1,100 jobs are expected to be generated once the facility is fully operational. Annual operation of the Thomson Prison is expected to generate more than $122 million in operating expenditures, $19 million in labor income and $61 million in local business sales.

“We also know that the investment by the federal government in this maximum security prison right here will create a lot of economic opportunity in Northwest Illinois and also across the river in Iowa,” said Gov. Pat Quinn.

The $165 million in revenue from the sale of the prison will first be used to pay off bonds that were sold to build the facility. Any remaining money will be used to pay off some of the state’s outstanding bills, according to the governor’s office.